Do you know that your eye muscles are extended EVERYDAY to what would, for the legs, be the equivalent of a 50 mile trek?
The constant and repetitive movements of the eyeballs as they swivel in different directions, the blinking of the eyelids, the rapid changes in focus required for close and distance vision, keep the eye muscles in constant motion.
The eyes are never at rest, even in sleep!
So what can you do to keep your eyes fresh and working at the optimal level?
If you spend long hours in front of your computer monitor, you'll probably recognize some of the following symptoms:
* Blurred vision
* Double vision
* Eyestrain
* Irritated eyes
* Visual focusing complaints
* Lowered visual efficiency
* Back, arm, shoulder, or neck ache
* Irritability
* Deepening tension lines on your brow
Most of these can be eased by 10-15 minutes of corrective therapy everyday. And the good news is that you do not even have to leave your beloved (!) computer to take corrective action.
* Remember to blink as often as possible. Blinking, although an involuntary action, sometimes freezes in front of the monitor. The act of blinking causes tears to clean those orbs of dust and impurities.
* Look up from the screen every 20 minutes or so. Look out of the window, or focus on a point as distant as possible. This is the equivalent of getting up from a cramped position to give your body a good stretch.
* During the pauses, breathe deeply, opening up your chest and diaphragm to the fullest. Concentrate on and be aware of your breath as you inhale and exhale.
* Do this simple focusing exercise. Focus on a point in the far distance, then bring one finger up in front of your eyes. You will see a dual image of your finger. Move your finger back and forth, towards and away from yourself, taking care to retain the dual image. The more repetitions, the better the work-out.
* Clasp your hands at the back of the head. Press your head back into the 'cradle' of your fingers, while you tense your arms. The pressure created strengthens your neck muscles and eases tension. Your upper arms will shape up too.
* Close your eyes and lean forward. Place the fleshy part of your cupped palms against your eyes. Let the warmth from your palms permeate and relax your eyes!
* Let your head drop towards your left shoulder, then swing it backwards and around towards the right shoulder. Repeat, starting the movement from the right shoulder.
* Have proper glare-free lighting at your work-station, and install a document holder.
As in all care regimens, PREVENTIVE action is most important.
The above simple easy-to-do movements will keep your eye-muscles toned and elastic, and ensure that they work efficiently.
As an added bonus, those vital orbs will also bear up better to the macular degeneration that may be caused by age.
There is also good news for those of you who hate having to wear glasses. There actually is a program that can help you throw them away! Developed by a man who dreamed of being a pilot, despite his less-than-perfect vision, this method re-trains your eyes to see without the help of visual aids.
